Kevin A. Menicoche

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Just to continue that momentum, if the ITI Minister will also work with his Cabinet colleagues that my riding of Nahendeh, Fort Simpson and Wrigley are being impacted, and that some resources will have to be identified for them as well.

We missed, of course, a huge opportunity during NWT Days, because this is a new and emerging issue for us to advise that the Sahtu is having impact on the region and our Northwest Territories. Will the Minister of ITI develop this strategy so that we can work with the federal government and let them know that we will need their assistance in developing impact funding for this region? Just like they committed $500 million for the pipeline, this is special development that is happening and if we can work towards developing some kind of strategy to get impact funding from the federal government.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m very pleased to see the expenditure in the budget to support the Sahtu. The impact of oil and gas development in the Sahtu is being felt throughout the Mackenzie Valley. Businesses in Fort Simpson and Wrigley have benefitted, but they are impacted, and local resources are stretched to the limit.

Recent weather conditions shut down the ice road into the Sahtu, and trucks were backed up all the way to Hay River. It was impossible to find a room in Fort Simpson until the road reopened. This is just one example of how the impacts on Nahendeh communities are noticeable.

B...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Friday, February 8, 2013, I will move the following motion: I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Thebacha, that the Speaker be authorized to set such sitting days and hours as the Speaker, after consultation, deems fit to assist with the business before the House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

If I can ask the Minister to provide me as much detail as he can with regard to the planning study, because I don’t want to be in a situation where we got… I heard through the grapevine that some beds might be reduced or we may not get a replacement facility but a much smaller facility. If the Minister can provide me as much detail, I’d like to see that.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I just want to ask the Minister of Health some questions on the replacement of the Fort Simpson Health Centre. I’d just like to ask exactly what is the process right now for the Fort Simpson Health Centre. Thank you.

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Indeed, we have returned after our holiday break, and since that last break I have travelled in my constituency and will be following up on many important issues that affect my riding. I am the MLA with the most communities and there are many specific and general issues that I will raise. While territorial issues such as devolution, wildlife, and even the new Boundaries Commission are important, I always like to put my communities first.

It is hoped that, in our upcoming budget, resources will be available to address the concerns such as community wellness plans...

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Once again, I would like to see any planning studies or anything the Minister can share with me before the March 31st completion date, I would really appreciate it, as well as hopefully have an opportunity to come visit Nahendeh during that time as well. Mahsi.

Maybe I’ll ask the Health Minister to provide me the detail. I know that we have scheduled some planning study. I think it was for ‘13-14. If the Minister can confirm that, because I know that the facility did get an assessment by Public Works and Services saying that the planning study must be started soon.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I would like to verify that Shane Thompson lives in Fort Simpson.

---Laughter

I would like to welcome Shane Thompson, as well as Colinda Blondin, to the House. She is the newest constituent of Fort Simpson as well. Welcome. Mahsi.